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Produced by Sam Maller

Coaches: Marilu Lopez-Fretts, Jesse Neider

Yabio moved to the U.S. after fleeing an oppressive dictatorship in Eritrea and waiting 11 years in an Ethiopian refugee camp for the chance. With his family half a world away waiting for a green light, he is learning what it takes to make a home in an unfamiliar place and grapple with the emotional costs of displacement.

Being the only one in the house that works, Yabio enjoys his quiet mornings as he’s often the only one up that wakes up early.
Photograph by Sam Maller

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Yabio leaves home every morning shortly after 8 am., to give himself enough time to stop at the corner store to buy a fruit drink and cigarettes, and get to work early. Photograph by Sam Maller

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While waiting for the State Department to grant his children entry to the U.S., Yabio is studying for his learner's permit and plans to use his savings to buy a car.
Photograph by Sam Maller

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Wet rugs are hoisted up by a motorized pulley and dried before Yabio trims their fringes. Photograph by Sam Maller

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After only three months, Yosef is still learning the ways of the shop. Though Yabio works slower than Yosef, he is more thorough and calculated with his actions. Photograph by Sam Maller

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Yabio has excelled since arriving in February, and has taken some of the stress off Pat and Jeff's shoulders by taking on new roles. Photograph by Sam Maller

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Yabio doesn’t always understand Pat’s directions, but will always smile at the sound of her voice. A strong relationship has been fostered between them that transcends the typical boss-employee dynamic. Photograph by Sam Maller

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As his English continues to develop every day, visual direction continues to be far more effective for Yabio. Photograph by Sam Maller

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Pat covers her face as she realizes that Yosef's wife is pregnant with their fifth child. The day before, he had to leave early because his landlord shut off the electricity and the water in his apartment.
Photograph by Sam Maller

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Each morning, Yabio and Yosef roll carpets that were laid out to dry the night before. Yabio's status is evident even here, where he will take on the larger rugs and leave the easier ones for Yosef.
Photograph by Sam Maller

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In his favorite part of his day, Yabio straightens and trims the fringes of an oriental rug that has hung and dried overnight. Photograph by Sam Maller

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Every evening after work, Yabio rides through downtown Syracuse and takes in the aged walls of the city on his way home. Photograph by Sam Maller

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In one of the few quiet moments in his day, Yabio takes a final drag on his cigarette before heading home. Photograph by Sam Maller

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After working for more than 50 hours during his six-day week, Yabio falls asleep in the middle of his living room on Saturday evening. Photograph by Sam Maller

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Headlights shine on the front door of Yabio's home. He’ll sit with his housemates listen to cultural music on their shared laptop until they go to sleep.
Photograph by Sam Maller

Copyright 2014-15, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University.